LYRICS
What’s up with this, America?
Dumbfounding it is, America
No longer free to be brave
Is this any way to behave
Am I a public servant’s slave?
What’s up with this, America?
Dumbfounding it is, America
This town spent the 1st Amendment
Twisted the Constitution till bent
Now it doesn’t read the way it’s meant
What’s up with this, America?
Dumbfounding it is, America
They say you can’t say
They say you can’t play
Not any time… night or day
What’s up with this, America?
Dumbfounding it is, America
Reciting the Pledge is a crime
No Star Spangled Banner at any time
For you, County Seat, I’m cryin’
Over all of your cheatin’ and lyin’
What’s up with this, America?
Dumbfounding it is, America
ABOUT
This song is about the West Chester Busking Ordinance.
The following activities are a crime without a license:
BUSKING (OR PERFORM) – includes, but is not limited to, the following activities: acting, singing, playing musical instruments, pantomime, juggling, magic, dancing, reading, puppetry, sidewalk art (working with non-permanent, water-soluble media, i.e., chalk, pastels, or watercolors directly on the pavement), and reciting.
Despite public hearings, testimony and votes to the contrary, the ordinance was passed behind closed doors.
Style: Protest Folk Rock
Chords: C Am G
Vocals, Guitar
Written at the corner of Gay and Church Streets in Chester County, West Chester, PA.
From the album Gay Church